Spool holder and sewing machine provided therewith

A sewing machine which includes a spool holder comprising:

• a spool base to which a plurality of thread spools are attachable;
• and
• a thread guide mechanism that guides a plurality of threads extending from the thread spools attached to the spool base, at a location higher than the thread spools, the thread guide mechanism including:
• a plurality of thread guide members having a plurality of thread guide portions that are lined substantially horizontally and guide the threads extending from the thread spools, respectively;
• a divided support pillar that is disposed so as to support the thread guide member on the spool base and including an upper support pillar having an upper end, which is swingably mounted on the thread guide member and a lower support pillar having a lower end which is swingably mounted on the spool base;
• a connecting part which connects the upper and lower support pillars so that the upper and lower support pillars are swingable;
• and
• a holding unit which holds the divided support pillar so that the divided support pillar is switchable between a first position where the upper and lower support pillars are substantially vertically lined so that the thread guide member is located at an upper position in use thereof and a second position where the upper and lower support pillars are bent at the connecting part so that the thread guide member is located at an accommodation position in non-use thereof.